PAINT GARAGE FLOOR A STEP BY STEP HOW TO GUIDE

STEP 1. PREP AND WASH THE FLOOR - Use the painter's tape and plastic to cover the walls up to about three feet. Sweep and vacuum the floor to remove all dirt and dust.

STEP 2. ETCH THE FLOOR - Make sure to wear protective boots, gloves and safety glasses. Mix the solution according to the manufactures instructions.

Dampen the floor with a garden hose then pour the etching solution, starting in the back of the garage, over about a 10 by 10 foot area.

Using the Broom, scrub the area back and forth in each direction. Continue etching the floor in small sections until the entire area is done.

Once you've finished etching, rinse the floor with a garden hose, starting in the back corner and working towards the front. Continue rinsing until the water is completely clear. If you have a dark, set in oil stain, this might require additional scrubbing. Allow the floor to completely dry, this may take overnight.

STEP 3. MIXING THE EPOXY PAINT - Open both components of the epoxy paint and hardener. Begin stirring the paint, then slowly pour the hardener into it. Stir the two parts together until they are fully blended, around 3 minutes.

Put the lid loosely back on and let it sit to let the chemicals react to each other. Follow the mixing instructions on the can for mixing times.

4. PAINT ON THE EPOXY - When the epoxy floor paint is ready, you'll have about 2 hours to put it down. Work quickly so it doesn't start to set up before you use all of it.

Start by pouring the paint into a tray, using a brush cut in the edges, seams, and corners first.

STEP 5. ROLLING THE EPOXY PAINT - Start farthest from the exit, using the 3/8 inch nap roller with an extension handle, and roll out a 10 x 10 foot section. Go over the section each way, with good coverage, feathering out any uneven lines.

Continue the floor, section by section, until finished. If you're applying 2 coats let the first completely dry and roll the second coat the same as the first.

6. IF YOU ARE APPLYING COLOR FLAKES - As you apply the top coat of paint, stop after every section and throw down the color flakes while the area is still wet. Sprinkle them on by hand, building the flakes up until you're satisfied with the coverage.

Work your way from back to front, as you roll on the epoxy, doing each section until the entire floor is coated. Allow to dry overnight in preparation for the top coat.

7. PREPARE THE TOP COAT - Scrape and clean off any loose color flakes from the previous day. Pour the hardener into the clear top coat. Stir the mixture for about 3 minutes until it is completely blended.

Let it sit for about 30 minutes to react, stir again for about a minute and add in the anti skid granules if you are using them.

8. APPLYING THE TOP COAT - You should have about 2 hours of working time. Cut in the edges, corners, and seams with the paint brush. Then use a 3/8 inch nap roller, start in the back, roll out 10 x 10 foot sections the same as the epoxy paint.

Work your way forward until the entire floor is covered. The coating might appear white at first but will dry clear. Allow one day to dry for foot traffic and three days for vehicle traffic.

When you paint garage floors, success means taking your time, being patient, and following each step one at a time.

Check the manufactures specifications for paint garage floor application, each brand may vary, drying times may vary, some are much shorter. These steps are just a basic guide for most epoxy floor paints.

Pat yourself on the back for a job well done and enjoy your new garage floor coating for many years.

For information on other related garage floor topics click on the links below.